Amplifying the voices of Islanders living with cancer

A new patient advisory group has been formed to ensure Islanders living with or affected by cancer have a direct role in shaping Jersey’s future Cancer Strategy.

The Cancer Advisory and Patient Strategy (CAPS) Group — created through a partnership between Health and Care Jersey, Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey, and Jersey Hospice Care — met for the first time on Saturday, 11 October, at Jersey Library.

During the session, members shared their personal experiences and discussed priorities for improving cancer prevention, treatment, and support across the Island. Facilitated by Tim H.J. Rogers and Lauren Perchard-Rees, the meeting focused on collaboration and co-production as part of the next phase of Jersey’s Cancer Strategy, due for publication in 2026.

Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, who chairs the Jersey Cancer Strategy Implementation Committee, said the group marks “a vital step in making our Cancer Strategy truly co-produced,” adding that listening to lived experience will help ensure services reflect what matters most to patients and families.

The CAPS Group will meet regularly to provide feedback directly to the committee, influencing everything from early diagnosis to recovery and palliative care.

“fundamental to building a compassionate and effective health service.”

Group member Antonia Rubio said she joined to ensure the needs of younger people are represented, adding she felt “heard and valued” in the group’s first meeting. Fellow member April Marques said she hoped to raise awareness about early detection, describing it as “key to increasing survival rates.”

Health Minister Deputy Tom Binet welcomed the initiative, saying that hearing from those affected by cancer is “fundamental to building a compassionate and effective health service.”